And an information night will be held on Thursday November 26 at the Senior Citizens Centre in Hume Street for those interested in growing produce for the market and to outline plans for a community stall at the monthly markets.

So, if you have a veggie patch, or would like to start one, why not think of producing something for the Gloucester Farmers Market.

The market opens for the first time on Saturday February 13 at Billabong Park.

The Gloucester Farmers Market is not just for local commercial food producers.

There will be a “Community Stall” where starter-growers as well as those with a back-yard veggie patch can bring their produce to sell or donate.

The community stall will be run by members and supporters of The Gloucester Project (or TGP), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to growing Gloucester’s capabilities in the area of food and horticulture.

How will the community stall work?

A small proportion of the selling price of your produce will go to cover TGP’s cost of running the stall. The charge to you will vary according to whether you help run the stall or ask TGP volunteers to sell your produce. If you need advice on growing fruit or vegetables then TGP can help through their new demonstration site called the Tucker Garden Patch. (See Gloucester Advocate article Wed nesday November 11),

If you have a large amount of produce to sell then think about having your own stall instead of selling through the community stall.

Why is the Gloucester Farmers Market such a good idea?

* For local growers this is an opportunity to sell at closer-to retail prices than is possible when growing for far away markets

* For local residents and visitors this is a chance to buy fresh local produce at competitive prices

* For local retailers this is a chance to buy fresh from local growers instead of produce that has been transported to and from far away markets

* For local commercial producers of specialty or niche products the market offers a new local outlet

* For local residents who would like to “have a go” and start off small the market offers a golden opportunity through the community stall

* And, I believe, many more reasons why the market should be a positive new development economically and socially for the Gloucester area

- Lyn Stewart